AAT deficiency is an inherited disorder characterized by low to nonexistent levels of AAT, a protein that protects the lungs from a potentially damaging enzyme produced in the body. Individuals with family history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or any form of lung disease will benefit from this screening. The screening consists of a simple finger stick (fasting is not necessary) and completion of a short questionnaire.

What Is It? Alpha-1Antitrypsin deficiency is a disorder characterized by low to non-existent levels of AAT. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein that protects the lungs from a potentially damaging enzyme produced in the body.

Who Should Be Tested? The American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommends that all COPD patients and family members should be screened for AAT deficiency.Why Should I Test? 2%–3% of all COPD patients have undiagnosed Alpha-1Antitrypsin deficiency. The test is a simple finger stick blood test.

PMC’s Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation is located within the fitness center and is a medically supervised program that helps improve the health and well-being of people who have heart and/or lung problems. The program uses the expertise of medical professionals associated with Parrish Medical Center in the fields of cardiac and pulmonary medicine, nutrition, nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacology and exercise physiology. Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation include: exercise programs tailored to your needs; better breathing and overall health; and monthly educational self-management seminars. For more information call 321-268-6726.

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